How to become desktop publisherseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Office & Admin Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$55,290

25th–75th pct. $43,730–$73,840

Top pay (est.)

$125,000

Top 10% $96,170

Pay in 5 years

$59,300est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$63,700est.

$54,700–$73,900

Outlook score

29/100

★☆☆☆☆ Weak

AI replacement risk

76%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−14.5%

300 openings / yr

How to become desktop publishers

Typical education

Associate's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Desktop Publishers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Critical Thinking

3.9

Active Listening

3.8

Complex Problem Solving

3.6

Speaking

3.6

Writing

3.6

Instructing

3.6

Time Management

3.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics

4.8

Communications and Media

4.4

English Language

3.9

Administrative

3.7

Production and Processing

2.9

Mathematics

2.9

Design

2.6

Administration and Management

2.5

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkThinking CreativelyWorking with ComputersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDocumenting/Recording InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting Information

Important abilities

Near VisionVisualizationOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionVisual Color DiscriminationOriginality

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

39%

Associate's degree

11%

Post-secondary certificate

Some college

Training before entry

None / short demo

35%

Up to 1 month

33%

1–3 months

14%

3–6 months

14%

6–12 months

Related work experience

6–12 months

24%

2–4 years

21%

1–2 years

16%

None

14%

1–3 months

8–10 years

6–8 years

4–6 years

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as desktop publishers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Customer Service Representatives Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services.	$44,770	28/100	77%
2	Office Clerks, General Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures.	$45,010	24/100	83%
3	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.	$47,540	24/100	84%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.	$69,500	40/100	80%
5	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.	$45,930	41/100	76%
6	Receptionists and Information Clerks Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.	$38,010	29/100	73%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.